A joint venture (JV) between Mott MacDonald and Sudop Praha A.S. has been appointed by Správa Železniční Dopravní Cesty to carry out two studies for a new cross-border railway line that will connect Dresden in Germany with Ústí nad Labem and Litoměřice in the Czech Republic.

The new railway will be a part of the Trans European Transport Network’s Orient/East Med core corridor and the first section of the Czech Republic’s future high speed rail network. Powered by electricity, it will pass through the Ore mountains, enabling it to avoid existing railway congestion through the Elbe valley – a popular region for tourists. The completion of the line will also generate positive socio-economic effects, particularly shorter travel times and a smaller environmental footprint.

The JV will carry out geotechnical investigations and perform environmental impact assessments for the route selection options. Preparatory works for design phases concerning technical investigation for major bridges and long tunnels will also be undertaken. A preliminary economical evaluation, an implementation plan and project publicity services are being provided along with a comparison between Czech, German and European legal procedures.

Tomáš Parák, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “This project is a major step into the new age for the Czech Republic’s railway infrastructure. As well as providing a direct link between Dresden and Prague, the new railway line is important as it will provide capacity enhancement for international traffic from the North of Europe and Baltic Sea ports to southern European countries. By developing a modern cross-border connection, it will strengthen the nation’s position in Europe.”